A self-described pro-life conservative Republican and father of three who served two terms on the local school board, Pokorney insists he's never criticized any individual's sexual orientation. His Facebook posts were directed to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, which defines marriage as a union between a man and woman, he said.

Until the law is changed or ruled unconstitutional, "DOMA is the law of the land, and I believe that is what we should follow," he said. "My views are mine and I have a First Amendment right to express my views. But I have to be more cognizant of the words I use."

That his posts were labeled hate speech upsets him, said Pokorney.

"Hate speech? Excuse me. I don't think so. I don't hate anyone," he said. "They have no idea how I feel about a lot of issues."

EOU freshman Jacky Sheoships, 19, who attended the Monday night meeting, said she was "a little angry that he said it on a public forum. He is the mayor."

Megan Baker, 18, an EOU freshman and co-president of EOU's Gay-Straight Alliance, hasn't decided whether she wants Pokorney to resign, she said. Sexual orientation is a volatile issue among some young people, and one of her high school friends committed suicide over his concerns about his sexual identity, she said. "I fear for the teens and kids who don't yet know if they want to be gay and bisexual," she said. "If they don't feel safe, they won't live here."